Visiting the iconic Doges Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice can be a highlight of any trip. This fast-track tour offers travelers a chance to skip the long lines and maximize their time exploring these remarkable landmarks. With expert guides providing insightful commentary, visitors can explore the rich history and stunning architecture that make these sites so captivating. The added benefit of accessing the St. Mark’s Square Museums further enhances the experience, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation for the city’s remarkable past.
Key Points
- This 2-hour guided tour provides priority access to Doges Palace and St. Marks Basilica, allowing you to skip long lines.
- The tour is led by professional licensed guides who offer engaging commentary and utilize audio systems for clear communication.
- Admission to the St. Mark’s Square Museums is included, providing a comprehensive experience of Venice’s iconic landmarks.
- The tour is priced at $105.86 per person and has received exceptional reviews, with a 4.9-star rating and 100% traveler recommendation.
- The tour is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and efficient management during the experience.
Tour Overview

The "Doges Palace and St Marks Basilica Fast-Track Tour" is a 2-hour guided experience in Venice, Italy that allows visitors to skip the long lines and gain priority access to two of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Priced from $105.86 per person, the tour boasts a 4.9-star rating based on 17 reviews, with 100% of travelers recommending it.
Participants will explore the opulent Doges Palace and the magnificent St. Marks Basilica, accompanied by a professional licensed guide who provides detailed historical commentary.
The tour also includes access to St. Marks Square Museums, making it an immersive and comprehensive experience for art and history enthusiasts.
Looking for more options in Venice? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Inclusions

The tour includes a professional licensed guide who provides commentary throughout the experience.
Visitors can skip the long lines at both the Doges Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, gaining access to these iconic landmarks.
The package also includes entry to the St. Mark’s Square Museums, allowing participants to explore the area’s rich cultural heritage.
An audio system is provided, ensuring guests can clearly hear the guide’s insights.
The reservation fees are covered, making this a convenient and hassle-free experience.
With inclusions tailored to maximize time and access, this tour offers an immersive look at Venice’s most renowned sites.
Meeting Details

Participants meet at the Colonna di San Marco, located in Piazzetta S. Marco, 30124 Venezia VE.
A coordinator wearing a purple Crown Tours T-shirt or jacket will be waiting under the column with the Saint Theodore statue.
The meeting point serves as the starting point for the tour. At the conclusion, the tour returns to the same meeting location.
This ensures a smooth and efficient start and end to the experience.
With a maximum of 20 travelers per tour, the guides can provide personalized attention and manage the group size effectively.
Tour Experience
The tour accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers, allowing the guides to provide personalized attention and manage the group size effectively.
During the peak summer months of July and August, the tour duration is reduced to 2 hours due to the high temperatures in Venice.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation.
Participants have consistently praised the tour, highlighting the following key aspects:
- Knowledgeable and engaging guides who provide detailed historical context and captivating stories about the visited sites.
- The efficiency of skipping long lines at the Doges Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.
- The opportunity to explore the St. Mark’s Square Museums and capture stunning photographs.
Traveler Feedback

What’ve guests appreciated most about this tour?
Based on reviews, travelers have widely praised the knowledgeable and friendly guides leading the experience. Many highlight the valuable benefit of skipping long entrance lines to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.
Participants note the tour’s efficiency, insightful commentary, and ample photo opportunities. The tour provides exceptional value for both solo travelers and groups, offering art and history enthusiasts a comprehensive understanding of Venice’s iconic landmarks.
- Venice Street Food Tour With Local Guide With Local Food Market Visit
- Dolomite Mountains and Cortina Semi Private Day Trip From Venice
- Experience Venice Like a Local: Small Group Cicchetti & Wine Tour
- Venice Sightseeing Walking Tour With a Local Guide
- Eat Like a Local: 3-hour Venice Small-Group Food Tasting Walking Tour
- Venice Bacaro Food Tour – Eat and Drink Like a Venetian
Why Choose This Tour

With its renowned skip-the-line access and knowledgeable, engaging guides, this Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica tour offers an unparalleled experience.
Here’s why it’s a top choice:
-
Time-Saving: Bypass the lengthy queues and gain quick entry to these iconic Venetian landmarks, maximizing your sightseeing time.
-
Expert Insight: Enjoy a deep dive into the rich history and architecture, as your guide provides captivating commentary to enhance your understanding.
-
Comprehensive Experience: Along With the palace and basilica, this tour also includes access to the St. Mark’s Square Museums, offering a well-rounded exploration of Venice’s cultural treasures.
Exploring the Doges Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica

Stepping into the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace, guests are treated to an immersive exploration of Venice’s rich political and architectural heritage.
The tour guides lead visitors through the ornate halls, sharing captivating stories of the palace’s role as the center of Venetian power.
Next, the group heads to the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica, marveling at its stunning Byzantine mosaics and gleaming golden altars.
Participants have the opportunity to learn about the basilica’s religious significance and appreciate its remarkable craftsmanship.
Throughout the tour, the guides seamlessly bring the sites to life, leaving guests with a deeper understanding of Venice’s illustrious past.
Common Questions

Is Water Available During the Tour?
The tour details do not explicitly mention if water is provided. However, it’s prudent for participants to bring their own water, especially during the summer months when the tour may be longer due to high temperatures.
Can Children Participate in the Tour?
Yes, children can participate in the tour. The tour accommodates families and provides an engaging experience for travelers of all ages. Parents should note the tour may not be suitable for young children due to the duration and walking involved.
Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?
The tour doesn’t explicitly mention senior or student discounts, but many sightseeing tours in Venice offer reduced pricing for these groups. It’s best to check with the tour operator before booking to inquire about any applicable discounts.
How Much Walking Is Involved in the Tour?
The tour involves moderate walking, with participants noting it’s not wheelchair accessible. The total duration is around 2 hours during peak seasons when temperatures are high, allowing for breaks between sites.
Are Photographs Allowed Inside the Doges Palace?
Photography is generally allowed inside the Doge’s Palace, but visitors should check for any temporary restrictions. Some areas may have flash photography prohibited to preserve the artworks and historic interiors.
The Sum Up
This Fast-Track Tour of the Doges Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica offers a seamless way to explore Venice’s iconic landmarks. Skipping the long lines, travelers can explore the rich history and architecture while receiving personalized attention from knowledgeable guides. The inclusion of entry to St. Mark’s Square Museums further enhances the experience, making this tour an efficient and comprehensive way to discover the wonders of Venice.
More Tours in Venice
- Haunted Venice Audio Tour with Palazzo Bovolo Entry Ticket
- Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking
- Hidden Venice – Small Group Tour
- Venice: Boat tour and visit to Murano Glass and Burano Lace
- Il meglio di Venezia in un tour dei punti più e meno noti
- Venice: Guided Boat Tour to Murano and Glass Blowing
More Tour Reviews in Venice
- Venice: St Marks Basilica Priority Entry, Host & Audioguide
- Haunted Venice Audio Tour with Palazzo Bovolo Entry Ticket
- Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking
- Venice: Convent Garden of Redentore Entry Ticket
- Hidden Venice – Small Group Tour
- Murano, Burano & Torcello: Vetro, Case Colorate & Storia
Still browsing? Here are more Venice experiences we've covered recently
- Which Venice Workshops & Classes To Choose? We Rank The 13 Best
- The 5 Most Popular Shopping & Market Tours In Venice
- Discover 14 Great Photography Experiences In Venice
- Our 13 Favorite Venice Walking Tours
- 8 Best Private Driver Services In Venice (With Prices)
- Our Picks For The 5 Best Dining Experiences In Venice
- 12 Best Tours & Experiences In Venice (With Prices)
- 14 Best Wine Tours In Venice
- Top 12 Tours In Venice
- We Rank Venice’s 4 Top Dinner Experiences
- Venice’s 4 Best Full-Day Tours (With Prices & Reviews)
- 4 Must-Try Lunch Experiences In Venice
